The French government has officially approved the program to build the next-generation nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (PANG) to replace the current flagship, Charles de Gaulle.
According to Bloomberg, France 24, and other foreign media on the 22nd, President Macron visited a military unit near Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), the previous day and told French service members that he had "decided to launch the next-generation aircraft carrier construction program." At the event, Macron emphasized, "In an era of predators, we must be strong to inspire fear, and we must be especially strong at sea."
The newly built aircraft carrier is scheduled to be commissioned in 2038. The vessel, introduced in 2001, will take over from the aging Charles de Gaulle and establish itself as the core asset of the French Navy. The specifications have grown significantly compared with the existing ship. It will displace about 78,000 to 80,000 tons and measure 310 meters in length. Compared with Charles de Gaulle (42,000 tons, 261 meters), its size has increased to nearly double. It can accommodate 2,000 crew and is expected to have the capacity to carry 30 Rafale M, France's mainstay fighter. As before, the power source is a nuclear propulsion system.
The construction expense is estimated at about 10 billion euros (about 14.5 trillion won). Some in French politics had called for delaying the program given the recently deteriorating national fiscal situation, but Macron chose to press ahead, citing security and economic spillover effects.
Macron said, "This project will directly energize some 800 suppliers, 80% of which are small and midsize enterprises." In addition, Naval Group SA, France's largest shipbuilder, and others will take part in the program. The Ministry of National Defense said the next-generation carrier will be capable of sustained, long-duration operations while heavily armed.
The Macron administration has recently been sharply increasing defense spending. The target defense budget for 2027 is 64 billion euros, about double the level in 2017 (32 billion euros), when Macron took office. It is also accelerating force modernization, including expanding the reserve to 80,000 by 2030. The French military currently has about 200,000 active-duty personnel and more than 40,000 reservists, making it the second largest in the European Union (EU) after Poland.
Securing funding remains a task, however. The French cabinet is under austerity pressure, with negotiations on the 2026 budget pushed to January next year. In response, the government plans to convene a Cabinet meeting to discuss special legislation on essential expenditure and taxes.
The announcement came during Macron's visit to the UAE. France traditionally observes the custom of the president spending the year-end with troops stationed overseas. The UAE is also one of the major importers of French military equipment. Macron met with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan that day and discussed bilateral cooperation on Middle East security and countering drug trafficking.